Steven and Nadia exchanged questioning glances when I was told to take my clothes off. Then, I had to watch as they, in reality, became horrified when all the wounds I've sustained from the abuse of my mother came to light.
Nadia was the first to crack when all my clothes were mandatorily stripped off me to make sure I had nothing on me that could cause me bodily harm, and she had an amazing view of all the colorful bruises and scars scattered across my body. She clenched her fist and shoved it in her mouth with a sob.
Even the doctor had to take a moment to compose himself before he could continue his job, and Steven stood there absolutely horrified, his eyes going glassy from unshed tears.
Feeling most uncomfortable with the scars across my stomach, I wrapped my arms protectively around my belly while they continued with all of their standard procedures.
.
.
.
I was prescribed some antidepressants and told that I needed therapy.
No shit Sherlock!
I was also given a cellphone from Mr. McCarter, who wants me to call or text him at nine every morning. If I don't, he'll be showing up for a welfare check. I was also assigned a "buddy" to make sure I don't do anything stupid.
Any alone time that I want has now flown out the window.
I didn't want to be alone before; I tried to talk to others, but they shied away. Now that I want to be alone, nobody will let me.
It's so damn frustrating!
"Helang," I hear my name being called out with annoyance, and I involuntarily stiffen before snapping back to reality.
I give my attention to my "buddy for the day" and see it's Nadia.
For the love that's all holy! I inwardly sigh because I wish I had anyone but her.
"Yes," I say barely audible.
She rolls her eyes with a huff as she crosses her arms over her chest.
"Looks like I'm stuck with you today," she muttered, her tone laced with annoyance. Her expression was a mixture of irritation and reluctant acceptance, though there was a flicker of understanding in her eyes. She had started to grasp the sincerity behind my reactions, recognizing that my responses were genuine rather than mere pretense. It was a subtle shift in our dynamic; while she still found my presence grating, the walls of her initial skepticism were beginning to crumble when it came down to my abuse.
I give a slight nod, my head barely moving as I instinctively avoid eye contact. The world outside the park bench unfolds before me, a vibrant tapestry of colors and motion. I find my gaze drifting toward the rustling leaves in the trees, their vivid greens shimmering in the sunlight. A gentle breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers, and I allow myself to get lost in the beauty of it all, momentarily forgetting the distractions around me. The laughter of children playing in the distance mixes with the soft chirping of birds, creating a soothing backdrop as I sit quietly, absorbing the scenery like a painter captivated by their canvas.
It's a beautiful day, and the sun hangs high in the sky, casting its golden rays down like a warm embrace. The gentle warmth dances across my skin, soothing and revitalizing, while I can't help but relish the sunlight's caress. I find myself yearning for a deeper tan, as my pale complexion makes even the slightest bruises stand out starkly, a reminder of my abuse. Each beam of sunlight feels like an invitation to bask in its glow, turning the ordinary into a moment of pure bliss.
"Wake up, please! Fight Helang! Fight!" I hear Steven sob out. I look around perplexed because I'm clearly wide awake sitting on a bench with Nadia and Steven is nowhere in sight.
"Did you hear that?" I ask her hesitantly with my eyebrows drawn while I look around.
She gazes at me in stunned disbelief, as though I've suddenly sprouted two heads, and with a flicker of impatience, she curtly utters a firm no.
I shake my head, a wave of frustration washing over me as I mutter an apology, but she responds with a huff, her impatience palpable in the air.
Finally, irritation bubbles up within me, and I can't hold back any longer.
"What's your problem!" I snap, my voice sharper than I intended, cutting through the tension between us.
"You!" She snaps back causing me to shrink in confusion and fear.
"Me?" I say astounded while she gives me a look of malice.
"Yes, you! I mean, who do you even think you are?! Steven is my boyfriend and not even two seconds after you see him, you're practically humping him like a fucking hoe!" She screeches turning almost as red as her hair.
"Boy - friend?" I stammer out stunned by this revelation and the fact she just called me a hoe. I'm still a massive virgin so her comment has me feeling angry and perplexed.
"Yes! Boyfriend! He's mine!" She growls out sounding animalistic.
I flinch and warily get up from the park bench to put some distance between us while she glares at me as if she's going to rip my head off.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't know; I will stay away and avoid him like the plague! I swear! He's yours!" I practically grovel at her feet with my pleas until a satisfactory look gleams in her eyes and she throws a sharp-toothed grin my way.
"Good." She responds baring her teeth with victory.
"I wouldn't want to add to those scars and bruises." She says threateningly and I gulp while frantically shaking my head on the verge of tears.
"Nadia," a voice cuts sharply through the air and I stiffen when I realize it's Steven's.
She plasters what I'm assuming to be an innocent look and widens her eyes to further her performance.
I swallow a bitter pill and take a few noticeable steps back when Steven tries to come near me and he stops with utter confusion in his eyes before turning to Nadia who acts oblivious.
"I was told to bring you to the clinic." He says after a moment's hesitation. I nod and quickly start walking towards the clinic without looking back to see if he's following me.
Even tho I had my small head start, his long strides towards me shortened the distance fast.
I internally roll my eyes and decide to quicken my pace even more.
"Helang wait," He breathes out and I abruptly stop and then curse at myself when I do as he asks of me and then he casually pulls out his cell phone and briefly looks at it.
"The doctor said he went to my father's house so we'll be heading there instead." He says with a gentle command that makes a shiver run down my spine.
Regardless, I furrow my brows at the sudden change in direction but I decide to follow him because again, I'm not allowed to be alone.
When we make it to his dad's house, he again calls my name but with some hesitation.
"Helang..."
I clench my jaw and try not to noticeably stiffen, which I'm sure I failed at, but I manage to ground out one word.
"Yes?" My voice comes out sounding hoarse and I internally cringe before clearing my throat.
"I'm sorry." He says softly and I whip around holding my breath in hopes that we will finally start over and he'll be nicer to me. But then, he opens those luscious lips and once again I'm floored and taken aback as he quickly adds on with arrogance.
"About Nadia. She can be really possessive of me. Am I assuming she's threatened you to stay away from me right? You should listen to her. As far as I'm concerned, I would never date someone like you." He says with a smirk throwing me off what I thought would be a genuine apology.
That last part stings and I show him my back in answer to his stupidly beautiful face.
"Well! I would never be with someone like you either so thank you for being a massive dick." I say giving him a false happiness and pretending his words didn't just carve my heart out.
"I'm sure I can find my own way to the clinic from here," I say turning to him with a giant smile that conveys I don't care about what he said about me, but, I'm not sure it was convincing enough.
He leans in, resting his left arm above my head on the door, and I sharply inhale at the proximity. I glare at him when he gives me a cocky grin.
"Unfortunately, you're not allowed to be alone so you're stuck with me till then." He lowers his arm, and my breath once again hitches, and my heart starts to race before it all deflates again when the doorknob is turned and the door swings open.
"Also, the clinic is in the opposite direction. Ladies first," He whispers holding my gaze with a cocky smirk. My face heats up with embarrassment and defiance; not wanting to lose his unspoken battle, I back away with a scowl and mockingly bow at him.
"Oh no, I insist old wise one. Please, take me to your leader." I say voice dripping with mockery and sarcasm.
His eyes twinkle with mirth and he walks through the doorway.
"This way weary traveler!" He says playing along with my mockery.
I roll my eyes as I follow him huffing with annoyance down another hallway and we enter an office two doors down on the left.